I wanted to mount my Smartphone at the top of the dash - and cable it for power etc. but in a stealth way that meant I could hide everything for short journeys and when I park the car.
I'd looked at some mounts that were built into the tray but these would only work with the tray out - something I didn't want as it vibrates too much and I'm sure would harden and splinter the tray plastic. So, on my third attempt this is what I came up with:
It's an amalgamation of two different car mounts. The first was a triple-hinged device that I converted into a Z-fold unit that worked, but wouldn't lie with the drawer fully closed because the middle section was 5mm too long. The second was a sticky magnet that I attached to the Z-fold after converting it to a simple hinge. The result is that I can hide cables and the mount in the drawer (including any USB sticks for audio) and slide the mount out and up and then park my smartphone on it whenever I need it. The mount is made out of mild steel and is less than 2mm thick so it doesn't mark the dash or the drawer. I've cheated though and held the mount in the drawer with some gaffa tape.
I know the coin trays are expensive, so I am loath to modify mine, but I saw a price for the front cover piece that looked quite cheap, and it had me thinking about screw into it from inside or outside for mounting devices. Scavenging this part from broken cupholders/coin trays is another possibility.
The only 'break' I've done is to make a hole in one corner of the tray to get the USB cables into the tray area. Apart from that the tray is not touched (remember the mount is stuck down with Gaffa tape).
If you want to do away with the cables the the tray remains untouched.
When I was running the Becker head unit I crimped a 12v to USB power source and plugged in two extender cables. Now, I use the Pioneer head unit which has two USB sockets in the back, so those leads are run up the left hand side of the dash.
I'd love to do this. Problem is, I still use my cup holders. :frown: I'm experimenting with a Nato Smart Mount right now, but nothing as cool and conclusive as what you've done here. Very nice! :tu:
They're a neat idea - but I wanted the phone within reach and at the top of the dash. I also often have a passenger and I wondered if the mount would impinge into their part of the footwell
I wanted to mount my Smartphone at the top of the dash - and cable it for power etc. but in a stealth way that meant I could hide everything for short journeys and when I park the car.
I'd looked at some mounts that were built into the tray but these would only work with the tray out - something I didn't want as it vibrates too much and I'm sure would harden and splinter the tray plastic. So, on my third attempt this is what I came up with:
It's an amalgamation of two different car mounts. The first was a triple-hinged device that I converted into a Z-fold unit that worked, but wouldn't lie with the drawer fully closed because the middle section was 5mm too long. The second was a sticky magnet that I attached to the Z-fold after converting it to a simple hinge. The result is that I can hide cables and the mount in the drawer (including any USB sticks for audio) and slide the mount out and up and then park my smartphone on it whenever I need it. The mount is made out of mild steel and is less than 2mm thick so it doesn't mark the dash or the drawer. I've cheated though and held the mount in the drawer with some gaffa tape.
Hi, this is great. I've been thinking about doing something like this for ages but wasn't exactly sure how to go about it. Where did you get the sticky magnet from? Is there a risk at all that the magnet will interfere with the electronics of the phone?
I found the sticky magnet by searching for 'Magnetic Mount Car Dashboard' and choosing one that is intended to be mounted on the dashboard with a '3M sticky pad' on the back. Here's one such magnet.
I wanted to mount my Smartphone at the top of the dash - and cable it for power etc. but in a stealth way that meant I could hide everything for short journeys and when I park the car.
I like this. I'm stealing it:grin:
Bits already ordered and mouse wire inserted for pulling the USB lead through to the radio.
Thanks for the idea
I already have twin USB power ports on the passenger side of the center tunnel/footwell, piggy-backed off the *** lighter. Untidy for the phone but good for charging the tablet/GPS.
Personally use a CD slot mag mount from Okra along with an AUXMIC cable and stand from Scosche. Did need to tape over tongues of mount to get enough grip, cover seems to be rubber. Velcro does not stick well either.
Also replaced the butterfly screw with a long Allen set screw with the mag mount adjusted down to clear the cup holder tray. I use mag mounts because have had the phone pop out of a clamp mount on a hard shift.
Finally have a HUD with speedo and clock because in bright sun and with dark sunglasses on I have trouble seeing the dash gauges. GPS HUD does not have as fast a response as a OBD based one but already have an ELM327 dongle there.
Have mounts in both my 170-clone and 171. Clone shown.
See my posts above. I've given links to the mount and the magnet.
The mount needs part of it removing as you need a base and a hinge to be able to raise the magnet for use. I also had to cut the Base so that it fitted in the tray.
The magnet is simply stuck onto the hinged part so that you can easily attach the phone when needed.
If you need drawings I'll see what I can put together.
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